What's In A Name? La Forchetta Changes Its Name To "al Dente" In September

La Forchetta, the new Italian hot spot owned by restaurateur Hakan Ilhan, is pleased to announce a new distinctive name for the authentic neighborhood oasis, Al Dente. The restaurant will officially implement the new name in September. Executive Chef Roberto Donna will continue to provide guests with his legendary cuisine with the same menu and prices, serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch on both Saturday and Sunday.

Hakan Ilhan stated that the decision to replace the restaurant's name was due to another business in the Washington area with a similar name expressing concerns about possible confusion between the two establishments. Patrons of the 146-seat restaurant, with its exhibition kitchens, pizza oven, inviting bar and expansive 30-seat outdoor patio, were invited to partake in the name selection process by submitting suggestions to the restaurant's website. It was Ilhan who actually came up with the name Al Dente, which he had been considering since April, but was open to exploring other options.

Today he also announces the first runner-up name, "Trattoria D'Amici" which means friend's trattoria, submitted by a neighborhood patron who frequents the restaurant, Kathryn Baker. Ilhan will make a $2,000 donation to the charity of her choice in appreciation for her effort.

"We picked this as the best name submitted because it really describes what our restaurant is all about, a place to gather with friends, and Ms. Baker said she came up with it because she comes here regularly and sees all her neighbors at the restaurant," confirms Hakan Ihan.

Al Dente is located a few short blocks from American University at 3201 New Mexico Ave. Suite E, NW, Washington, DC, 20016. Al Dente is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 5 PM; dinner Sunday through Thursday 4 PM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 4 PM to 11 PM and brunch Saturday and Sunday 11:30 AM to 3 PM. For more information or reservations please call the restaurant directly at (202) 244-2223 or visit www.aldentedc.com.